After WW2 came much-expanded road networks and reliable Japanese bikes. One could ride almost everywhere a lot more easily. Earlier motorcycles had been vibraty, leaky, short-service-interval machines, and not quite reliable or durable enough for longer distance-travel, or daily transportation. Only a few hard-core riders put up with them.
Better quality motorcycles changed riding, but gear remained unchanged for quite a while after this revolution. It took time for a new generation of riders to discover that while taditional denim, waxed cotton, leather and flannel looked ‘right’ it was not too effective for all-weather and higher speed uses, which was exactly what one needed for riding coast-to-coast, or back and forth to work day after day.
This was where we came in, pioneering advanced technology rider’s gear with new kinds of textiles like Gore Tex and Cordura, new kinds of energy-absorbing impact materials like TF armor, and new kinds of reflectives like 3M Scotchlight. Our garment designs were different looking too, with bright colors and more ergonomic pockets, and air vents, and lightweight nylon zippers to replace traditional metal zippers and snaps.
Those advances allowed riders to enjoy the full potential of their modern bikes for the first time. Long-term-durable Aerostich gear combined effective crash and weather protection with improved comfort and convenience, but since style and fashion remained an important consideration for those who wished to look 'teched-out' or 'authentic', these 'Extra Tech' and 'Retro Tech' appearance packages were created.
